NALA Certified Paralegal Practice Exam

A dispositive motion achieves a key objective in legal proceedings by allowing a party to seek a ruling that effectively resolves the case or a significant issue within it without the need for a full trial. Typically, these motions request the court to make a determination based on the arguments and evidence presented, demonstrating that there are no material facts in dispute and that one party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.

When a dispositive motion is granted, it can lead to a dismissal of the case or a summary judgment, thereby eliminating the necessity for further litigation and trial expenses. This mechanism is instrumental in streamlining the judicial process, as it can help to quickly address and resolve controversies that might otherwise require extensive trial proceedings.

In contrast, the other options refer to processes that do not achieve a final resolution of the case. Proper jury selection is about forming the jury for a trial, investigating potential evidence pertains to the discovery process, and compelling witness testimony involves ensuring witness appearances, none of which resolve the case on their own.